An opportunity all Clivia fans have been keenly awaiting
Up to 1 200 two year old seedlings will be available early in 2005
Background
Clivia mirabilis, the recently described species discovered in the winter rainfall region of the Northern Cape, falls under the protection of the Department of Nature Conservation Northern Cape. Any sale of Clivia mirabilis material will form part of a community upliftment project in the Northern Cape. Seed was harvested and brought to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden to germinate and grow on to a suitable size for sale.
Sale Conditions
It is estimated that up to 1200 two year old seedlings will be available by early 2005. Supply may be limited, on a without fear or favour basis, depending on the demand for seedlings. Orders will be limited to a maximum of five seedlings per person, but if there is an over demand, to one per person and by a draw, if necessary. The cost per seedling will be R200.00, plus postage, packaging and the cost of a phytosanitary certificate (if necessary), and bank charges. Credit card facilities will be available at an additional cost of 5%.
This first release of Clivia mirabilis will be coordinated by the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden may reserve and purchase some of these seedlings to exchange for rare Clivia cultivars which will enhance its collections of Clivia.
Growing Clivia mirabilis
This species occurs naturally in an arid Mediterranean type climate experiencing a prolonged hot dry summer. Vegetative growth takes place in winter and flowering in early summer (mid October to mid November). The growth rhythm is the opposite of all the other known species which occur in a summer rainfall area.
The horticultural attributes of Clivia mirabilis are:
- Appears to be fully sun tolerant
- Very drought resistant
- The species is apparently most closely related to Clivia nobilis but its seedlings differ markedly in their very much more rapid vegetative growth, their long linear sub erect leaves with a median white stripe and the prominent purple red pigmentation of the leaf bases.
- It has potential to hybridise with other species of Clivia to produce a race of drought resistant and sun hardy forms which should grow very well in dry Mediterranean climates.
- There is no experience of its frost hardiness but the habitat occasionally experiences brief periods of a few degrees below zero temperatures in winter.
Cultivation
A well drained growing medium is essential for the successful growing of Clivia mirabilis . The seedlings on offer have been grown in two different mediums, one of milled pine bark and the other consists of equal parts milled pine bark and coarse sand. Either medium can be used. Care must be taken not to over water.
How to Order
All orders must be:
- Addressed to Joy Woodward.
- By post to Kirstenbosch, SANBI, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735, South Africa
- By fax to
- By e-mail to (Please type: Clivia mirabilis Order in the subject line)
- All orders must indicate number required and give full name, postal address and telephone/fax numbers of purchaser
- Safe receipt of every order will be acknowledged within one week.
- The closing date for orders will be 31 January 2005.
" All persons placing orders will be advised, as soon as possible after that closing date, to what extent their orders have been successful, how much they must pay and payment method options.
" All plants will be posted by overnight mail to South African destinations and by registered airmail to overseas destinations, all at buyer's risk.
More information about Clivia mirabilis and its discovery
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